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Caesar – More than a Salad

Posted October 27th, 2012 by bbsadmin & filed under General Business, Motivation.

Julius Caesar was one of Rome’s greatest leaders. Business leaders can learn the following from his life:

1. Create

Caesar once said, “It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life.” Caesar is credited for creating the leap year. He is also credited for creating the Julian calendar. This is certainly a principle he valued. Businesses must innovate and not simply do what everyone else is doing. They must create their own brand to differentiate themselves from others, their own culture, and their own values. Creating is a form of differentiation.

2. Beneficial relationships

In his political career Julius Caesar established political alliances. This was done to give mutual benefits to each of those involved in the alliance. Their enemies referred to this alliance as the “three headed monster” because of the power they had. Intelligent business people look for smart relationships in which both parties can benefit. Such relationships allow for members to offer referrals to one another benefiting each party as well as the customer.

3. Be determined and don’t get comfortable

Caesar was determined to become Pontif Maximos in Rome. This was an elite political position at the time. His determination was so strong that he told his mother that he would come back Pontif Maximos or he would not be coming back at all. His ambition led him to not be satisfied with his prestigious positions he was offered. He was always reaching for the next highest position. Intelligent business leaders understand that if they get too comfortable their competition will force them out of the market by taking their customers. Caesar’s success in battle led to the conquering of many people. Those who, who follow Caesar’s example will win the business of their competitors as they reach for perfection in their operations by determination and not getting comfortable.

4. The power of reputation

Caesar’s red cape was iconic to his soldiers and those who saw it in the distance felt inspired and gained confidence. Even his enemies who saw his red cape became afraid, knowing his reputation. However in Rome his reputation was somewhat scared as he was known for treating those he fought with extreme brutality. It takes many good acts to get a good reputation and one bad act to tarnish that reputation. As a business leader what kind of reputation do you have among your employees? What reputation does your company have in the industry? How can you improve your reputation and, just as Caesar, give off a specific reputation when people (both employees and outsiders) who see your business?

5. Don’t seek status without Relationships

Caesar became so worried about status that some of the friendships he had formed previously were clouded. His lust for power led to his downfall. It is important for business leaders to not allow their legitimate power take hold of their actions. They should be careful not to become so focused on “privileges” of status that they neglect important relationships.

Notable Quotes

“As a rule, men worry more about what they can’t see than about what they can.”

“Experience is the teacher of all things.”

“Men in general are quick to believe that which they wish to be true.”